Al Riyadh vs Al-Hazm Match Recap - Dec 29, 2025

Al-Hazm's Resilience Shines as They Edge Out Al Riyadh in a Crucial Clash

Al-Hazm's 2-1 victory over Al Riyadh marks a significant turning point for both teams as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Pro League standings. This match showcased Al-Hazm's ability to capitalize on their chances, while Al Riyadh continues to struggle with consistency and execution.

Omar Al-Somah emerged as a key figure for Al-Hazm, scoring his second goal in as many matches. His performance underscores a resurgence in form after a period of inconsistency. Al-Hazm's attacking strategy, centered around Al-Somah, has begun to yield results, as evidenced by their recent performances. The team has now scored in back-to-back matches, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles where they often failed to find the net.

Al-Hazm's midfield control was evident throughout the match, with a pass accuracy of 81% compared to Al Riyadh's 75%. This statistic reflects their ability to maintain possession and dictate the pace of the game. The midfield trio of Nawaf Al-Habashi, Basil Yousef Al-Sayyali, and Miguel Carvalho effectively linked defense and attack, allowing Al-Hazm to create more opportunities. Their collective effort was crucial in establishing dominance early on, leading to Al-Hazm's first goal.

Al Riyadh's defensive frailties were once again exposed. Despite having a solid goalkeeper in Milan Borjan, who made crucial saves, the backline struggled to contain Al-Hazm's attacking threats. The home side's inability to maintain composure under pressure resulted in a lack of cohesion, leading to defensive lapses that allowed Al-Hazm to exploit gaps. This match marked yet another instance where Al Riyadh conceded goals due to poor positioning and communication among defenders.

Mamadou Sylla provided a glimmer of hope for Al Riyadh with his goal shortly after halftime, but it was not enough to spark a comeback. His performance has been one of the few bright spots for Al Riyadh this season, as he continues to lead the line despite the team's overall struggles. Sylla's goal-scoring ability remains vital for a side that has found it challenging to convert chances into goals consistently.

Al Riyadh's recent form has been disheartening, with only two wins in their last ten matches. Their last five outings have seen them score just three goals while conceding ten. The lack of offensive firepower is alarming, especially when considering their inability to create clear-cut chances. In this match, they managed only three total shots, with just one on target-a statistic that highlights their ongoing struggles in front of goal.

The tactical setup employed by Javier Calleja has not yielded the desired results. The 4-3-3 formation appears ineffective against teams that press high and disrupt their rhythm. Al Riyadh's midfielders have struggled to connect with forwards, often leaving Sylla isolated and starved of service. This tactical deficiency has contributed significantly to their current position at the bottom of the league table.

Al-Hazm's recent performances indicate a shift in momentum. After a series of disappointing results, they have now secured four points from their last two matches. This newfound resilience could be pivotal as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone. The combination of solid defensive organization and effective counter-attacking play has given them a fighting chance in upcoming fixtures.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical matches that could define their seasons. Al Riyadh will need to regroup quickly before facing Al-Qadisiyah FC, while Al-Hazm will look to build on this momentum against NEOM. The stakes are high for both sides as they strive for survival in the Pro League.

Al-Hazm's victory today serves as a reminder of the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. With players like Al-Somah finding form and the midfield operating efficiently, they have positioned themselves favorably for the challenges ahead. Conversely, Al Riyadh must address their tactical shortcomings and find a way to harness Sylla's potential if they hope to escape the relegation battle that looms large over them.